18/12/2013  Happy Valley  Race 1

After being loaded, HIT A HOME RUN became fractious and reared, dislodging its rider, J Moreira, and then sat down. HIT A HOME RUN was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had struck its head on the front gates when it initially reared and according was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of HIT A HOME RUN. Before being allowed to race again, HIT A HOME RUN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. INFINITE COURAGE began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was taken across behind runners. GRACYTOM was checked a short distance after the start when crowded for room between NOVEL START and YOUNG SUPREME which, after initially shifting out of its own accord, was then taken out by DIAMOND ANGEL. From the outside barrier, ORIENTAL FANTASIA was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 850 Metres, SHANGHAI PIONEER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIGHLAND DRAGON. When being steadied to obtain cover after the 800 Metres, YOUNG SUPREME proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. SHANGHAI PIONEER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. From approaching the 200 Metres until the 100 Metres, DIAMOND ANGEL was badly held up for clear running inside RAY OF GOLD and behind NOVEL START. Over the concluding stages, HIGHLAND DRAGON was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LUCKY RED. G Mosse, the rider of 5th placegetter, RAY OF GOLD, was found guilty of a charge of having failed to ride his mount out all the way to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)].  G Mosse was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 2 January 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).  The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 21 December 2013. Throughout the race, NOVEL START travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND ANGEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY GOAL and SHANGHAI PIONEER were sent for sampling.